Precinct chair alleges candidate campaigned at polling places; county staff say they notified state and precinct chairs

Ginny Walsh, a precinct chair and election worker, told the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors that on Oct. 7, 2025, a city candidate entered her precinct, asked questions about voting and examined election equipment, prompting Walsh to ask the person to leave. Walsh said a similar incident occurred on Nov. 4 when a relative of that candidate came to a precinct; in both cases Walsh said the person had no credentials and appeared to be campaigning in violation of county and state rules.

"If you're not here to vote and this isn't your precinct, then I think that you should leave," Walsh told the board, describing the incidents and saying she reported them to county staff and the state elections board but had not heard back.

Mary Anne, who handles election office communications, told the board she received the initial information during the primary, consulted with the county attorney and the secretary of state's office, and drafted and emailed a letter to all candidates reminding them of rules that prohibit campaigning at polling sites. Mary Anne said the office also contacted precinct chairs, distributed guidance in election packets, and checked precincts on election day; she said she also spoke directly to the candidate and was told the candidate was not personally present at some sites but had a relative there.

Board members acknowledged Walsh's concerns and discussed sending an additional, clear notice to poll workers and the public explaining who may be present at polling locations and what credentials they must carry. Supervisors noted enforcement or sanctions would be handled by state election authorities.

What the transcript shows - Complainant: Ginny Walsh (precinct chair/election worker) described two incidents (primary and general election) in which a candidate or a relative questioned poll workers and examined equipment without appearing to be credentialed. - County response: Mary Anne said the auditor's office consulted the county attorney and the secretary of state's office, drafted a reminder letter to candidates, and notified precinct chairs; she said the matter was documented and that staff had explained rules to candidates and campaign officials.

Status and next steps Walsh said she had not received follow-up from the state election board. The board asked staff to consider issuing a clear reminder to precinct workers and to ensure contact and follow-up with state election authorities if additional steps are required. The transcript does not record any formal enforcement action taken by the county.